Roger Tuder won't run for Chattanooga mayor

Roger Tuder, president of the Associated General Contractors of East Tennessee, issued an emailed statement Friday night.

"I have decided not to seek the office of mayor for the City of Chattanooga. Considering the opportunity to be a public servant is a humbling process and one I absolutely never took lightly. I cannot properly express, in these few words, my sincere appreciation to those who provided encouragement, guidance and support while considering this endeavor."

Tuder was among a half-dozen or more weighing a run for mayor in the March election.

State Sen. Andy Berke, D-Chattanooga, who elected not to run for re-election to the Senate when Republicans redrew his district to favor their party, has a head start on fundraising.

Other potential candidates include Jim Folkner, founder of Citizens to Recall Mayor Littlefield; former Chattanooga Parks and Recreation Director Rob Healy; former Chattanooga Public Works employee Guy Satterfield; Council Chairwoman Pam Ladd; and Hamilton County Commissioner Warren Mackey.